Using Digital Screens for Over 8 Hours Daily may Increase the Risk of Severe dry eye Syndrome by 14%.
Modern urbanites cannot live without electronic products in their daily lives. Using mobile phones, computers and other devices for long periods of time has become the norm. Recently, an organization conducted a survey on this phenomenon and interviewed about 2700 citizens. The results showed that 3% of the respondents suffered fromSevere dry eye, of which white-collar workers account for as high as 7%. Such a high incidence rate is worrying. What is more noteworthy is that dry eye syndrome also shows a clear trend of becoming younger. In this regard, some doctors have specially reminded that in the face ofDry eyesWhen using eye drops, not all eye drops can effectively relieve symptoms. It is recommended to give priority to artificial tears that do not contain preservatives to avoid eye sensitivity caused by preservative ingredients and better protect the health of the eyes.
The survey, conducted last month by Orbis in collaboration with the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society and the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Blindness, collected data using an online questionnaire and had respondents self-assess using the OSDI Dry Eye Index test. The results revealed that 3% of respondents were diagnosed with severe dry eye, with white-collar workers being the primary high-risk group. Furthermore, 3% of these 8% had never sought medical attention for their dry eyes. This data suggests that many people lack sufficient knowledge about dry eye and generally underestimate the potential impact of this eye condition on their health, often failing to realize its severity until symptoms worsen.
The survey also further analyzed the relationship between electronic device use and dry eye syndrome, finding that 6% of respondents habitually use electronic devices for extended periods, averaging over eight hours per day. Comparative data showed that those who used electronic screens for more than eight hours per day were 8% more likely to experience severe dry eye symptoms than those who used them for less than two hours per day. This suggests that prolonged screen time has become a key factor in triggering and exacerbating dry eye syndrome.
Li Wanwei, a volunteer ophthalmologist at Orbis and also the volunteer secretary of the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, pointed out that in the past, patients with dry eye were mostly concentrated in the population over 40 years old, but judging from the results of this survey, the age of patients with this disease is gradually decreasing, and the trend of younger people is very obvious. "Among the respondents aged 18 to 29, 4% found that they had serious dry eye problems through self-testing, which was an unexpected proportion." Dr. Li also mentioned that when faced with dry eyes, many people would habitually use eye drops to relieve them, but it must be clear that not every eye drop is suitable for long-term use or for dry eye. He suggested that when choosing eye drops, you should give priority to artificial tears that do not contain preservatives. Such products are not only effectiveSoothes dry eyesIt can also prevent preservatives from irritating and allergic reactions to the eyes, making it more suitable for people who need long-term eye care.
